Archive for June, 2009

Making the Right Decision

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

The news is enough to scare anyone these days. We all hear the doom and gloom terms: recession, credit crisis, market free-fall. But what does it all mean and should it have an impact on whether we purchase our first home?

The answer is decidedly both yes and no. If you have been impacted directly by the ailing economy and your job is at risk, for example, you may want to think twice before diving into a major purchase such as a home. However, if you are fortunate enough to have a steady job, a nice nest egg and excellent credit then it may be time to consider purchasing your first home.

Low Interest Rates

There’s no doubt about it. Lenders have tightened their belts and only those individuals with the best of credit have a shot at getting approved for a mortgage. However, if you’ve paid your dues and have a sparkling credit history, then you are one of the lucky few whom can take advantage of the near-historic low interest rates.

Nice Inventory of Homes

The sour housing market may also be in your favor, as there is a nice inventory of Coppell homes on the market with reasonable price tags. We are definitely still in the middle of a buyer’s market, which means that there is likely a nice supply of homeowners looking to unload their properties.

Down Payment Concerns

Finally, it may be the right time to purchase your first home if you have saved a considerable amount of money for a down payment. Most lenders require at least 20 percent down, so if you haven’t secured that much money, then it may not be the time to dive into your first home purchase.

Buying your first home is a very personal decision. You must take your own, individual circumstances into consideration before making this major purchase. There are many incentives for new homeowners these days, such as low interest rates and tax rebates, so it pays to educate yourself on both the positive and negative aspects about purchasing your first home.

Have you Taken Advantage of the $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit Yet?

Friday, June 19th, 2009

The home buyer tax credit, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is a federal program designed to encourage Americans to purchase their first home.

This program, which continues until December 1, 2009, can make a big difference for many first-time home buyers. Imagine what $8,000 can do for you! This dollar-for-dollar tax credit is an incentive designed to encourage the rebound of the economy, and it may very well be the incentive you need to purchase your first Highland Park home!

Like any other federal tax incentive, however, there are a few terms and conditions of this new home buyer tax credit:

  • The tax credit is only for first-time home buyers. However, the IRS recognizes anyone that has not owned a primary residence over the last three years to be a first-time homebuyer.
  • The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price. However, the maximum dollar amount given through this program is $8,000.
  • Only those single taxpayers making less than $75,000 and those married taxpayers making less than $150,000 qualify for the tax credit. There is a reduced tax credit available for individuals who do not meet this income requirement; however, those single taxpayers that make more than $95,000 and those married taxpayers that make more than $170,000 are not eligible to receive any money through this incentive program.
  • The closing date on your home must be on or before December 1, 2009 to be eligible for the full tax credit. Unlike the tax credit enacted by Congress in 2008, the $8,000 tax credit does not have to be repaid.
  • To apply for your $8,000 tax credit, simply claim it on your year-end federal income tax return.
  • Only homes that are used for a primary residence are eligible under this tax credit incentive program.

What Every Seller Should Know about Today

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

As a seller, it is extremely important that you have a firm grasp of the conditions of the real estate market in which you are selling. Understanding market conditions and being prepared to deal with them is the best way to sell your home in a reasonable amount of time.

What you Need to Know to Sell your Home in Today’s Market:

  • Price your home right – from the beginning. This is not the time to price your home according to what you think it is worth, instead of what the local market is bearing (unless, of course, you are in no hurry to sell your home). Instead, it is vital that you price your home right from the beginning so that you can attract a wide group of buyers. Listen to the advice of your real estate agent, take cues from the other homes in your neighborhood, and pay attention to local market trends so that you can price your home to sell.
  • Be prepared for low ball offers. Unfortunately, sellers in today’s market must deal with buyers who think that, because the real estate market is fairly stagnant, that they can make ridiculously low offers on your home. However, instead of firmly rejecting a low ball offer (and shooting yourself in the foot at the same time), put your ego aside and counter offer. A counter offer may very well let the buyer know that you aren’t prepared to accept a low ball offer. At that point the buyer can either submit a reasonable offer or move on.
  • Get your home in tip-top shape and be prepared for serious competition. Unlike the seller’s market of even just a few years ago, homes are sitting on the market for a much longer period of time, which means that you must be prepared for plenty of competition. A great way to compete against other homes for sale in your area is to make sure your home is the best looking one on the block. Clean it up, clear out the clutter and make it shine. Take care of upgrades and renovations, and entice buyers with new appliances or extra features and amenities.
  • Remain open minded and flexible. If you want to sell your home in a buyer’s market, you will need to first remember that it is vital to remain flexible during the process. This essentially means that you will want to be accommodating during showings and open houses (even if the times aren’t particularly convenient for you); you will want to entertain all offers and remain flexible regarding the buyers’ terms and conditions; and you will want to always remember that the ultimate goal is to sell your home, so egos have no place during the selling process.

Although a buyer’s market may prove to be challenging for many homeowners, it is important to realize that there are still plenty of buyers out there, just waiting to purchase your home!

The View from Above: High-Rise Condo Developers set Their Sights on the Luxury Purchaser

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Although industry analysts predicted a year of slow growth for residential construction, there are still quite a few developers providing luxury residences to high-end buyers in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth skyline by austrini.
photo by austrini

Two of these developments are the Villa de Leon condos in Trinity Bluff and the 31 Throckmorton condo residences in Sundance Square. Both of these high-rise condo developments further solidify the position of the luxury purchaser in Fort Worth.

Villa de Leon

The Villa de Leon luxury condominium residences are a fine example of luxury living in Fort Worth. Priced from $786,000, these 23 private residences evoke a sense of seclusion and privacy in a dynamic, urban setting.

Boasting a stunning, old-world architecture, reminiscent of the first settlement along the Trinity, Villa de Leon boasts a fantastic location near Forth Worth’s beautiful city parks, downtown Fort Worth, Sundance Square and Forth Worth’s art district. In addition, the DFW airport is located close by, making these residences ideal for busy Fort Worth professionals.

Just some of the features of Villa de Leon include: open, expansive entertaining spaces; gourmet kitchens with Viking appliances; spa bathrooms; and private terraces with sweeping views of the Trinity River and downtown Fort Worth.

The amenities of Villa de Leon are particularly exclusive, as they cater specifically to their high-end residents. Amenities include: a resort-style swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center; underground, access-controlled parking; and high-speed elevators.

1301 Throckmorton

Set to open this summer, the residences of the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, known as 1301 Throckmorton, will boast an impossibly high standard for the most demanding of buyers.

These luxury condos will boast three design finish packages, high-end appliances, expansive, interior spaces and beautiful, sweeping views of downtown Forth Worth.

Best of all, residents of 1301 Throckmorton will enjoy all of the superb amenities that the hotel guests of the Omni have come to appreciate, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service spa and a fully equipped business center.

Private resident amenities will include: a private swimming pool; a private garden terrace; a fitness center; in-room dining; housekeeping; 24-hour concierge service and valet parking.

A Closer Look at the North Dallas Real Estate Market

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

North Dallas, which is simply a generic term given to the northern suburbs of Dallas located north of 635, includes Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Plano, McKinney, Frisco and Richardson.

Addison

Addison, which is a great area for excellent dining, shopping and entertainment, boasts a diverse population of young professionals, families and empty nesters. The dynamic retail and commercial market of Addison makes it a popular spot for both residents and visitors alike.

Most of the residents reside in the 1,500 single-family homes in Addison, with the rest reside in apartments and townhomes.

Carrollton

Carrollton is the place to be for Dallas families, as it has earned many accolades, including “Kid Friendly City,” and “Texas’ Safest City.”

The cost of living, which falls below the national average by nearly three percent, is another benefit of residing in Carrollton. There is a wide selection of new and pre-owned homes in Carrollton to suit a wide variety of budgets, wants and needs.

Farmers Branch

Farmers Branch is an area of North Dallas best well known for its many businesses, including Coca-Cola and Haggar Clothing. Farmers Branch caters to a wide variety of homeowners, most of which are priced well below the national average. In fact, many of the single-family homes of Farmers Branch fall in the low $100,000s.

Richardson

Easy access to Plano, downtown Dallas and Addison, as well as its affordable home prices, make Richardson an ideal choice for Dallas professionals.

Plano

With many companies headquartered in Plano, residents find that life here is convenient and affordable. Plano offers a wide variety of real estate, from affordable to extraordinary. In fact, some of the homes in Willow Bend exceed $10 million.

McKinney

McKinney is an affluent, North Dallas community, which features homes from the low $200,000s to over $1 million. In addition, there is a great deal of new home construction in McKinney by many, major builders.

Frisco

As one of the fastest growing cities in North Texas, Frisco has seen its population nearly triple from 2000 to 2009.

There are plenty of new home developments in Frisco, as well as more affordable, established neighborhoods.

The Villas at Coppell

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Behind the gates of the Villas at Coppell is spectacular, townhome living in the heart of Coppell.

From an excellent Coppell location to fantastic schools and a close proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Interstate 35 and the President George Bush Turnpike, the Villas at Coppell offer relaxed, maintenance-free living with superb features and amenities.

Professionals will find the location of the Villas at Coppell to be ideal, as this exclusive community is just 30 minutes from downtown Dallas.

Features and Amenities

In addition to the maintenance-free living at the Villas at Coppell, loads of on-site amenities, including the resort-style swimming pool and cabana, make life here both relaxing and enjoyable.

Many of the townhome designs feature covered front porches, formal dining and living rooms, two-story great rooms, expansive kitchens with breakfast nooks, master bedroom suites, walk-in closets and private, master bedroom balconies.

Nearby Recreation

Nearby recreation is abundant at the Villas at Coppell, including private and semi-private golf courses, country clubs, Grapevine lake with its boating and other water sports, local and state parks and, of course, the seemingly endless array of museums, art galleries sport venues of Dallas.

Nearby shopping is facilitated at the Vista Ridge Mall, which is only about five minutes away, as well as the Grapevines Mills Mall and the Galleria Mall.

Nearby medical facilities include the Medical Center of Lewisville and the Dallas Medical Center.

Students of the Villas at Coppell attend the highly desirable Coppell Independent School District, which boasts 14 campuses, ten of which are given an “exemplary” status by the TEA. In addition, several, excellent private schools are also located in the area, including the Hockaday School, Trinity Christian Academy and the Montessori Episcopal School.

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Like other new home developments built by Toll Brothers, the excellence in design and construction is evident in the homes of the Villas at Coppell. High-end features, superb extras and quality construction are a top priority at the Villas at Coppell, thereby providing its residents with only the finest quality of life.

Mercedes Homes Showcases its New Home Communities in Frisco

Monday, June 8th, 2009

The family owned and operated Mercedes Home has been a strong presence in Florida, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina since 1983.

This dynamic home builder has since built homes for over 40,000 families, thereby leaving its mark throughout many communities in the Southeast, including Frisco, Texas.

Mercedes Homes has been recognized as a leader in the home building industry. In fact, Mercedes Homes is currently listed as the 20th largest home builder in the nation. Mercedes Homes has built homes in over 130 locations over four states.

Mercedes Homes has long been recognized for its distinctive designs and quality construction. The builder is also conscious of new technologies and innovations and the many ways in which they shape the future of home building. Mercedes Homes researches new technologies to ensure that their homes are safe, strong, environmentally sensitive and energy efficient.

Mercedes Homes backs all of its new homes with a one- to two-year limited warranty and a ten-year structural warranty. They are currently offering savings on quick move-in homes and savings on upgrades for those who make an online appointment.

Mercedes Homes is currently setting its sights on the dynamic, progressive area of Frisco, where it currently features three new home communities:

  • Panther Creek

The family friendly community of Panther Creek focuses not only on its excellent home design, but on its amenities and surroundings, as well. Just some of the community features of Panther Creek include a park, hiking and biking trails, a swimming pool and basketball courts. Families will also certainly appreciate its ideal location in the award-winning Frisco Independent School District. In addition to its beautiful surroundings and upscale amenities, Panther Creek also enjoys a close proximity to Lake Lewisville, a nearby boating and fishing area.

Home prices in Panther Creek range from $194,900 to $244,990.

  • Traditions of Frisco

Traditions of Frisco offers a luxury lifestyle for families of any shape or size. New families and empty nesters alike will revel in this community’s quality built homes and beautiful interiors. Homesites in Traditions of Frisco will range from 50 to 70 feet, and some may even be oversized.

Home prices in Traditions of Frisco range from $224,990 to $369,990.

  • Christie Ranch

Comfortably situated in West Frisco, Christie Ranch is an exclusive community of luxury homes. This community enjoys a close proximity to many of Frisco’s most popular destinations, including Stonebriar Center and FC Dallas Soccer Stadium.

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The homes of Christie Ranch feature such amenities as 42-inch maple cabinets, upgraded bathrooms, rubbed bronze light fixtures and handcrafted fireplaces.

Homes in Christie Ranch are priced from $288,900.

The Top 10 Do

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

Selling your home takes a bit more work and planning than just putting the “For Sale” sign in your front yard. If you want to compete in today’s tough buyer’s market, and attract plenty of buyers, then there are a few things you’ll want to take care of beforehand:

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1.

Bryan Street Station and how it

Monday, June 1st, 2009

If there’s one thing that the national housing market free fall of the last few years has taught us, it is that we all may be changing our vision of what makes a fine residence.

While some of the more upscale downtown Dallas condos are sitting idle on the market, or being rented out instead of sold, the condo and townhouse residences of Bryan Street Station are being quickly snatched up by eager homeowners.

In fact, the first phase of the Bryan Street Station is already sold out, and the second and third phases of the project are garnering a considerable amount of attention.

Why? Perhaps it’s the excellent location and urban, contemporary design. Or maybe it’s because they offer residents fine amenities at affordable prices. The residences of Bryan Street Station offer either European-style flats or townhomes from $143,000 to $300,000.

Although there is certainly proof that the Dallas market has cooled off considerably over the last year, new construction is certainly not a thing of the past. Builders and developers are simply switching gears and realizing that, along with the multi-million dollar condos of yesterday, there is certainly more than enough room in the condo market for affordable, yet stylish, downtown condo living.

Bryan Street is a fine example that you don’t have to sacrifice convenience and location for price. Just some of the examples of what Bryan Street Station affords its residents include:

  • Ten-foot ceilings
  • Close proximity to the Dallas Arts District, American Airlines Center and public transportation
  • One, tow and three-bedroom units
  • Hardwood floors
  • Gourmet kitchens with euro-style cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances
  • Hip, contemporary architecture and interior design
  • Large, walk-in closets
  • Secure parking garage
  • Four, different floor plans
  • Spacious interiors
  • Pre-wired for cable